Stratford, Ontario
A Second World War veteran, Mr. Boon participated in the D-Day landing in Normandy on June 6, 1944 and served in the Canadian Militia from 1956 to 1980. A Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion for 56 years, Mr. Boon has held many positions, including those of Legion Executive Member, Legion Service Officer, Poppy Chairman, Parade Chairman and Parade Marshall. Mr. Boon also assists veterans in receiving the benefits to which they are entitled. A member of the Army, Navy, Air Force Veterans Association (ANAVETS), Mr. Boon is also President of the Royal Canadian Regiment Association, Past President of the Perth Regiment Veterans Association and President of the 19th Field Regimental Association. For 20 years, Mr. Boon was the curator of the Perth Regiment Museum and now assists the curators of the Stratford Discovery Centre with re-establishing the Museum in their new facility in Stratford. For more than 42 years, he has instructed First Aid for St. John Ambulance. To this day, Mr. Boon is active in organizing military parades for the residents of Stratford. He visits countless local schools annually to speak to students about the contributions and sacrifice of Canadian Veterans, and spreads the message of peace over war. Mr. Boon was recently presented with the 2004 Ontario Senior Citizen of the Year Award for Stratford, Ontario.